Everyone has certain things they like in a particular way. Some people may want everything to be in a perfectly straight line. Others may need books or CD’s listed in alphabetical order. Others may have a strict routine they must stay with or their day is completely thrown off. When someone has a certain way to do something, the words “I’m just so OCD” may be spoken. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is much more than simply being organized or particular. While that can be part of the diagnosis, there is much more that happens inside the brain of someone fighting OCD.
What is OCD?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), obsessive-compulsive disorder is marked by obsessions, compulsions, or both. Obsessions are considered uncontrollable and recurring thoughts. Compulsions are considered repetitive and excessive behaviors. While symptoms can occur at any time, they usually begin between late childhood and early adulthood. This disorder is long-lasting and time-consuming, causing significant distress and may even interfere with daily life.
Symptoms of OCD
Obsessions are a symptom of OCD, which are repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that are intrusive, unwanted, and make most people anxious. Fear of germs or contamination, fear of losing something, fear of losing control over one’s behavior, aggressive thoughts toward others or oneself, unwanted thoughts involving sex, religion, or harm, and a desire to have things in perfect order are all considered obsessions. Compulsions are another symptom that are repetitive behaviors a person feels the urge to do, often in response to an obsession. These include excessive cleaning or handwashing, arranging items in a particular and precise way, repeatedly checking things, compulsive counting, and repeating words silently. Adults living with OCD can recognize their behaviors do not make sense, but children are too young to understand. They often fear that something terrible will happen if they do not perform certain compulsive rituals.
Causes of OCD
The causes of OCD are unknown, but there are risk factors that could increase the chances of developing the disorder. Studies have shown that having a parent or sibling with OCD is associated with an increased chance of developing the disorder. There has not been a gene, or a set of genes identified that have been determined to be a direct link to OCD, but there are ongoing studies to explore the connection. It has been shown that the frontal cortex and subcortical structures of the brain in a person with OCD are different from those without. These areas of the brain control behavior and emotional responses. There is some research surrounding the connection between temperament and OCD, as well as childhood trauma and OCD, however, more is needed to determine if links can be made.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Obtaining a diagnosis is the first step to obtaining the proper treatment. It can be difficult, however, because symptoms such as worry, anxiety, and low mood can be similar to those of other mental illnesses. There could also be a fear of judgement so a person may not inform their health care provider about the obsessions and compulsions they are having. It is very important to be open with a health care provider about this to find the help needed. An examine will be completed and health history will be discussed to rule out other conditions. Once a diagnosis is received, treatment can come through medications, psychotherapy, or a combination. Another form of treatment was approved by the FDA in 2018 which involves a deep form of repetitive transcranial magnetic simulation (rTMS). This was extended in 2022 to standard TMS devices as well. This treatment is a noninvasive therapy which uses a magnet to deliver repeated low-intensity pulses to stimulate a particular part of the brain.
Moving Forward
Having Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is much more than simply being organized and wanting to have the volume on a certain number. These compulsions that some people may see as ridiculous feel necessary to avoid bad things in someone fighting OCD. They are fighting feelings of anxiety and worry every day, feeling the need to do things over and over to calm their minds. It is much more than wanting books or movies organized in a specific way. This can be a difficult disorder to fight on a daily basis, but medication and therapy can be helpful in navigating through them. If you or someone you know is fighting with these obsessions and compulsions, help is available.
